Cultural Intelligence is an Acquirable Skill Set

Cultural Relocation / Adaptation
Osama Kamal, Management Consultant, Egypt, Member
Newcomers in a culture have to be willing to perform some cultural relocation. It is a mind set that has to be adapted. I recently moved to Qatar. Cultural adaptation comes slowly from the the old culture - people and friends. The business society is like a one way train. All have to cope with this, one way or the other.

Cultural Re-orientation
Sudheendra, Consultant, India, Member
Totally agreed Mr. Kamal, we create misfits (or avoid creating them) by trying to promote our own people irrespective of caliber or requirement. The human need to be good to the society does less good and more harm in an organizational setup.
Once a team of my people is formed, I become their undisputed leader (which could be the ulterior motive) of doing good to the society. This mentality has flourished through generations across geographies. Removal of such mindset is a tough task.
I totally agree with you that humans tend to have a group of "yes sir/madam" people around them. This is a result of "basic insecurity" of a human to live on his/her own. The herd mentality prevails and I feel the need of my herd around me. If people don't fit in, they are branded / isolated.
I think in Qatar you must have observed this. I can see the pain in your words. Correct me if I am wrong.